Air cleaner

ABSTRACT

An air cleaning device (A) includes a bulb-shaped casing ( 1 ) provided at one end with a base ( 4 ) and at the other end with an outlet ( 3   e,    3   a ), in which an AC/DC converter ( 11 ) for converting an alternating current from the base ( 4 ) into a direct current, a boosting transformer ( 12 ) for boosting the direct current, and a negative ion generator or ozone generator ( 21  or  21 A) connected to the boosting transformer ( 12 ) are accommodated. Application of high voltage from the boosting transformer ( 12 ) to the negative ion generator or ozone generator ( 21  or  21 A) induces electrical discharge to generate negative ions alone or both negative ions and ozone and release the negative ions alone or both the negative ions and the ozone from the outlet ( 3   e,    3   a ). The device can be disposed on the floor, suspended from above, hung on the wall or set in position at an optional location, using as its power source electric power from a socket ( 41 A,  41 B) for a reading lamp, a socket ( 62 ) built in the ceiling, or an electrical receptacle mounted in a wall, so that negative ions alone or both negative ions and ozone can be released in an optional direction.

FIELD OF ART

[0001] This invention relates to an air cleaning device that generatesand diffuses negative ions known to have a “forest bathing effect” andozone having bactericidal and deodorant actions and that is equippedwith lighting.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventional air cleaning devices are used by inserting a plugattached to a power cord into an electrical receptacle and set inposition within a house or automobile.

[0003] Since the conventional air cleaning devices are of the mount-typeas described above, it is impossible to release and diffuse negativeions alone or both negative ions and ozone from above a room orcompartment and its mounting location is restricted to some extent.

[0004] This invention has been accomplished to eliminate the aboveinconvenience. One object of the invention is to provide an air cleaningdevice that can be used in any mode by attaching an attached portion (afed portion) to an attaching portion (a feed portion) withoutrestricting its mounting location.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0005] An air cleaning device according to this invention comprises abulb-shaped casing provided at one end with an attached portion to beattached to an attaching portion and at the other end with an outlet,and a negative ion generator accommodated within the casing, wherebynegative ions are generated by electric discharge of the negative iongenerator and released from the outlet.

[0006] Another aspect of this invention provides an air cleaning devicecomprising a bulb-shaped casing provided at one end with a fed portionto be attached to a feed portion and at the other end with an outlet, anAC/DC converter accommodated in the casing for converting an alternatingcurrent from the fed portion into a direct current, a boostingtransformer accommodated in the casing for boosting the voltage from theAC/DC converter, and a negative ion generator accommodated in the casingso as to face the outlet and connected to the boosting transformer,whereby negative ions are generated by electric discharge resulting fromapplication of high voltage from the boosting transformer to thenegative ion generator and are released from the outlet.

[0007] The negative ion generator in the above air cleaning devicecomprises a needle-like electrode having its distal end directed towardthe outlet.

[0008] Still another aspect of this invention provides an air cleaningdevice comprising a bulb-shaped casing that accommodates an ozonegenerator therein, has its one end provided with an attached portion tobe attached to an attaching portion and its opposite end provided withan outlet, and is equipped with an air supply portion for supplying airto the ozone generator, whereby negative ions and ozone are generated byelectric discharge of the ozone generator to produce a stream of aircontaining the negative ions and ozone and flowing from the ozonegenerator to the outlet.

[0009] Yet another aspect of this invention provides an air cleaningdevice comprising a bulb-shaped casing provided at one end with a fedportion to be attached to a feed portion and at the other end with anoutlet, an AC/DC converter accommodated in the casing for converting analternating current from the fed portion into a direct current, aboosting transformer accommodated in the casing for boosting the voltagefrom the fed portion, an ozone generator accommodated in the casing soas to face the outlet and connected to the boosting transformer, and anair supply portion for supplying air to the ozone generator in thecasing, whereby negative ions and ozone are generated by electricdischarge resulting from application of high voltage from the boostingtransformer to the ozone generator to produce a stream of air containingthe negative ions and ozone and flowing from the ozone generator to theoutlet.

[0010] The bulb-shaped casing may comprise a casing body having one endprovided with the fed portion and an opposite open end, and a lid havingone end provided with the outlet and the opposite end firmly ordetachably attached to the open end of the casing body.

[0011] The ozone generator may comprise a first needle-like electrodeconnected to the negative pole of the boosting transformer and having adistal end directed to the outlet, and a second electrode in the form ofa cylinder concentric with the first electrode or a plate with acircular opening concentric with the first electrode, the firstelectrode being accommodated in the casing body and the second electrodebeing positioned concentrically relative to the outlet and accommodatedin the lid.

[0012] In any of the air cleaning devices, the AC/DC converter andboosting transformer may be made integral; the opposite end of thecasing may be provided with lighting; and the feed portion may comprisea base to be attached to or detached from a socket, a base equipped witha pair of pins projecting from the periphery at opposed locations, or aplug equipped with a pair of blades or pins to be inserted into orpulled out from an electrical receptacle.

[0013] Since the casing of the air cleaning device is formed in theshape of an electric bulb and provided at one end with the fed portionor attached portion and at the other end with the outlet, electric powerfrom a socket for an illuminator, a socket built in the ceiling or roof,or an electrical receptacle for a reading lamp can be used as the powersource for the air cleaning device. Therefore, the air cleaning devicecan be disposed on the floor, suspended from above, hung on the wall orset in position at an optional location so that negative ions alone orboth negative ions and ozone can be released in an optional direction toobtain a forest bathing effect and clean, sterilize and deodorize theinterior of a room or compartment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 a front view showing a first embodiment of an air cleaningdevice according to this invention.

[0015]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the air cleaning device shown in FIG. 1.

[0016]FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross section of the air cleaning deviceshown in FIG. 1.

[0017]FIG. 4 is a front view, partially sectioned, showing a secondembodiment of the air cleaning device according to this invention.

[0018]FIG. 5 is a plan view of the air cleaning device shown in FIG. 4.

[0019]FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross section showing a third embodimentof the air cleaning device according to this invention.

[0020]FIG. 7 is a cross section taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6.

[0021]FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross section showing a fourth embodimentof the air cleaning device according to this invention.

[0022]FIG. 9 is a front view showing a fifth embodiment of the aircleaning device according to this invention.

[0023]FIG. 10 is a plan view of the air cleaning device shown in FIG. 9.

[0024]FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross section of the air cleaning deviceshown in FIG. 9.

[0025]FIG. 12 is a front view showing a sixth embodiment of the aircleaning device according to this invention.

[0026]FIG. 13 is a plan view of the air cleaning device shown in FIG.12.

[0027]FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross section of the air cleaning deviceshown in FIG. 12.

[0028]FIG. 15 is a front view showing a seventh embodiment of the aircleaning device according to this invention.

[0029]FIG. 16 is a plan view of the air cleaning device shown in FIG.15.

[0030]FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross section of the air cleaning deviceshown in FIG. 15.

[0031]FIG. 18 is a front view showing an eighth embodiment of the aircleaning device according to this invention.

[0032]FIG. 19 is a plan view of the air cleaning device shown in FIG.18.

[0033]FIG. 20 is a longitudinal cross section of the air cleaning deviceshown in FIG. 18.

[0034]FIG. 21(a) is a partial side view of an air cleaning deviceshowing another example of a fed portion.

[0035]FIG. 21(b) is a bottom view of the air cleaning device shown inFIG. 21(a).

[0036]FIG. 22(a) is a partial side view of an air cleaning deviceshowing still another example of the fed portion.

[0037]FIG. 22(b) is a bottom view of the air cleaning device shown inFIG. 22(a).

[0038]FIG. 23(a) is a partial side view of an air cleaning deviceshowing yet another example of the fed portion.

[0039]FIG. 23(b) is a bottom view of the air cleaning device shown inFIG. 23(a).

[0040]FIG. 24(a) is a partial side view of an air cleaning deviceshowing a further example of the fed portion.

[0041]FIG. 24(b) is a bottom view of the air cleaning device shown inFIG. 24(a).

[0042]FIG. 25 is an explanatory view illustrating an air cleaning deviceaccording to this invention applied to a reading lamp supported on amovable arm having one end fixed to a wall or desk.

[0043]FIG. 26 is an explanatory view illustrating an air cleaning deviceaccording to this invention applied to a mount-type reading lamp.

[0044]FIG. 27 is an explanatory view illustrating an air cleaning deviceaccording to this invention applied to an illuminator provided with aplurality of sockets.

[0045]FIG. 28 is an explanatory view illustrating an air cleaning deviceaccording to this invention applied to a socket built in the ceiling.

[0046]FIG. 29(a) is an explanatory view illustrating an air cleaningdevice according to this invention accommodated in an attachmentprovided with a socket and a plug.

[0047]FIG. 29(b) is an explanatory view illustrating the attachment ofFIG. 29(a) inserted into an electrical receptacle.

[0048]FIG. 30 is an explanatory view illustrating an air cleaning deviceaccording to this invention mounted in a socket attached to a wall.

[0049]FIG. 31 is an explanatory view illustrating an air cleaning deviceaccording to this invention attached to a stand mounted on a table.

BEST MODE FOR WORKING THE INVENTION

[0050] The present invention will be described in detail below withreference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051]FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a first embodiment of an aircleaning device A according to this invention, FIG. 2 a plan viewillustrating the air cleaning device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 alongitudinal cross section illustrating the air cleaning device of FIG.1, with its part sectioned.

[0052] In these figures, denoted by reference numeral 1 is a bulb-shapedcasing that comprises a casing body 2 of synthetic resin and a lid 3 ofsynthetic resin having at its distal end a spherical surface of largecurvature approximating to a flat plane.

[0053] One end of the casing body 2 of the casing 1 is open and theother end thereof is provided with a base (a fed portion) 4 attached toa socket (a feed portion), not shown, to form connection with acommercial power source.

[0054] The distal end surface of the lid 3 corresponding to the distalend of the casing 1 is provided with plural, e.g. four, cylindricaloutlets 3 a of the same diameter that are arranged along a circleconcentric with the distal end surface.

[0055] The lid 3 has a structure detachably attached by fitting or byother such means to the open end of the casing body 2 and is providedwith cross pieces 3 b for preventing the fingers etc. from beinginserted into the outlets 3 a to serve as safety means.

[0056] The base 4, like the base of an ordinary electric bulb, has atits one end center one electrode 4 a and at its periphery the otherelectrode 4 b.

[0057] The inside of the casing body 2 is divided into a front sidechamber 2 f and a back side chamber 2 r accommodating an AC/DC converter11 and a boosting transformer 12 by a partition wall 13 that serves alsoas a mounting member. The partition wall 13 is provided with a roundcylindrical support 13 a positioned at the center of the four outlets 3a of the lid 3 and projecting toward the front side chamber 2 f. Thepartition wall 13 is desirably made of an insulating material. The AC/DCconverter 11 accommodated in the back side chamber 2 r converts analternating current from the base 4 into a direct current that is outputinto the boosting transformer 12 which is accommodated in the back sidechamber and in which the input direct current is boosted.

[0058] Within the front side chamber 2 f is accommodated a negative iongenerator 21 that comprises an insulating support base 22 equipped witha cylindrical portion attached onto the cylindrical support 13 a of thepartition wall 13 and four needle-like conductive first electrodes 23arranged along a circle concentric with the support base 22, with theirrespective distal ends directed toward the centers of the four outlets 3a of the lid 3. The four first electrodes 23 are collectively connectedto the negative pole side of the boosting transformer 12.

[0059] The distal end surface of the lid 3 is provided at the centerwith a light emitting diode 29 that displays the operation ornon-operation state of the negative ion generator 21.

[0060] The casing body 2 and lid 3 are configured such that when theyare made integral by relative movement and fitting, each first electrode23 is positioned at the center of the outlet 3 a by positioning means,e.g. concave and convex means, provided respectively on the casing body2 and lid 3.

[0061] The operation of the air cleaning device A constructed asdescribed above will be described.

[0062] By applying negative high DC voltage to the first electrodes 23from the boosting transformer 12, silent corona discharge is inducedbetween the distal end of each first electrode and the atmosphereforward of each first electrode to generate negative ions. The negativeions pass through a corresponding outlet 3 a from each first electrode23 side and are released by the Coulomb force of the charged atmosphereforward of each first electrode 23.

[0063] Since negative ions are generated from the first electrode 23side inward of the outlets 3 a, they are diffused into a room in whichthe air cleaning device A is disposed to clean the air in the room.

[0064] The light emitting diode 29 turns on a light during the operationof the negative ion generator 21 to indicate the generation of negativeions.

[0065] However, when a switch or other such means is used to stop theoperation of the negative ion generator 21, the light emitting diode 29puts out lights to indicate non-generation of negative ions.

[0066] The principle of negative ions cleaning the air is that negativeions are attached to positive ions (dust on the order of microns, deadticks, mold, bacteria, pollen, etc.) thought to be harmful to the humanbody to convert the positive ions into negative ions heavier than theair, that fall on the floor and are adsorbed onto the floor madepositive.

[0067] The positive ions converted into negative ions and falling on thefloor are removed by a vacuum cleaner.

[0068] From the first electrode 23, not less than one-million negativeions per milliliter are released all the time. In order to obtain alarger effect, it is desirable to increase the number of the firstelectrode 23 to release a greater number of negative ions.

[0069] While negative ions are thought to have a “forest bathingeffect”, they act to relax mind and body, prevent oxidization of cells,activate metabolism, heighten the functions of the lugs and therespiratory organ system, and enhance internal secretion to improve thehematogenic action.

[0070] These functions of negative ions are proved by the test dateusing an AMI (Apparatus for measuring the function of the Meridians andtheir corresponding Internal organs), according to which the blood flowof patients in the atmosphere of negative ions artificially generated isactivated and the flow of their internal animation is made good.

[0071] According to the first embodiment, as described above, since thecasing 1 is bulb-shaped and provided with the base 4 attachable directlyto a socket, when it is attached to an illuminator socket or other suchsocket, it is possible to diffuse negative ions from above in a roometc. to clean the air in the room etc.

[0072] In addition, since the bulb-shaped casing 1 is of a suspendibletype, it is possible to provide a novel air cleaning device with variousapplications, as compared with conventional mount-type air cleaningdevices disposed on the floor, a desk or other such flat place.

[0073] Furthermore, the provision of the cross pieces 3 b in the outlets3 a can prevent the fingers from being inserted into the outlets 3 a andgetting in touch with the first electrode 23. Thus, safety can beensured.

[0074] Moreover, since the casing 1 is divided into the casing body 2and the lid 3 that are detachably attached, the interior of the lid 2after being detached from the casing body 2 can be simply cleaned andwashed with ease.

[0075] The air cleaning device A in the first embodiment has noelectrode facing the first electrode 23 to induce electric dischargebetween the first electrode 23 and the ambient air. This will not dirtythe inside of the casing 1 and less require cleaning and washing of theinside of the casing 1, thus making the device maintenance easy.

[0076] Since the inside of the casing 1 is less liable to dirty asdescribed above, the lid 3 and the casing body 2 can be fixed to or madeintegral with each other.

[0077] The provision of the light-emitting diode 29 that can turn on alight and put out lights enables the user to confirm whether or not theair cleaning device A releases negative ions.

[0078]FIG. 4 is a front view, partially sectioned, showing a secondembodiment of the air cleaning device according to this invention, andFIG. 5 is a plan view of the air cleaning device shown in FIG. 4. Inthis embodiment, the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 to 3 aregiven to the identical or corresponding elements, the explanation ofwhich will be omitted from the following description.

[0079] While the air cleaning device according to the first embodimentis provided with a plurality of negative ion generators, the aircleaning device in this embodiment is equipped with a single negativeion generator. A semicircular lid 3 has a center recess 3 e serving asthe outlet. A support base 22 is provided at the center with a firstelectrode 23 that pierces through the bottom of the recess 3 e toconstitute a negative ion generator 21 in conjunction with the supportbase 22. The wall of the lid 3 defining the recess 3 e is provided withfour ribs 3 f disposed at 90-degree intervals so as to surround thefirst electrode 23, thereby serving as safety means. Furthermore, inthis embodiment, an AC/DC converter is integral with a boostingtransformer 12A in a built-in manner.

[0080] In the same manner as in the first embodiment, application ofnegative high DC voltage from the boosting transformer 12A to the firstelectrode 23 induces silent corona discharge to generate negative ionsthat are released from the center recess 3 e of the lid 3.

[0081] In this embodiment, since there is a single negative iongenerator and further since the AC/DC converter is built in the boostingtransformer, the air cleaning device can be made compact.

[0082]FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross section showing a third embodimentof the air cleaning device according to this invention, and

[0083]FIG. 7 is a cross section taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6. Inthis embodiment, the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 to 3 aregiven to the identical or corresponding elements, the explanation ofwhich will be omitted from the following description.

[0084] In FIGS. 6 and 7, a casing body 2 is provided in the peripheralwall on its open (distal end) side with slitted openings 2 acircumferentially disposed at predetermined intervals and communicatingwith its front side chamber 2 f to serve as portions for supplying airinto an ozone generator 21A which will be described later.

[0085] Within the inside portion of a lid 3 on the open side of thecasing body 2 are accommodated four cylindrical second conductiveelectrodes 24 each concentric with an outlet 3 a. One end of each secondconductive electrode 24 is fitted in and supported by the outlet 3 a,and each distal end of needle-like first electrodes 23 supported on asupport base 22 in the front side chamber 2 f of the casing body 2enters the opposite open end of each second electrode 24. The firstelectrodes 23, second electrodes 24 and support base 22 constitute theaforementioned ozone generator 21A.

[0086] The inside portion of the lid 3 on the open side of the casingbody 2 is provided with two conductive retainers 27 disposed atpredetermined positions at an interval of 180 degrees, for example, sothat the conductive retainers 27 come into pressure contact with andsupport opposed second electrodes 24 and, when the lid 3 is attached tothe casing body 2, function as contactors electrically connecting theopposed second electrodes 24 respectively via conductors to the positivepoles of an AC/DC converter 11 and a boosting transformer 12. Inaddition, adjacent second electrodes 24 are electrically connected toeach other via a conductive connector 26.

[0087] Furthermore, a light emitting diode (not shown) is disposed at anappropriate position to display the operation state of the ozonegenerator 21A.

[0088] The operation of the air cleaning device A in this embodimentwill be described.

[0089] When a high DC voltage is applied between the first electrodes 23serving as the negative poles and the second electrodes 24 serving asthe positive poles, silent corona discharge is induced between thedistal end of each first electrode 23 and a portion of each secondelectrode 24 nearest to the distal end of each first electrode 23 togenerate negative ions and ozone. The Coulomb force of the electrifiedsecond electrodes 24 causes a stream of air containing negative ions andozone to pass from the side of each first electrode 23 through eachoutlet 3 a via each second electrode 24.

[0090] Air for successively inducing a stream of air passing from theside of each first electrode 23 through each outlet 3 a via each secondelectrode 24 is supplied via the slitted openings 2 a.

[0091] A stream of air containing negative ions and ozone passes fromthe side of each second electrode 24 through each outlet 3 a and isreleased and diffused into a room. Thus, the air in the room in whichthe air cleaning device A is provided can be cleaned as described aboveand, at the same time, sterilization and deodorization can be attainedby a small amount of ozone (not more than 0.05 ppm).

[0092] During the operation, dust is electrified and attached to thecylindrical second electrodes 24 to dirty the cylindrical secondelectrodes. The dirty second electrodes 24 are cleaned and washed afterdetaching the lid 3 from the casing body 2 or further detaching thesecond electrodes from the lid 3 that has been detached from the casingbody 2. After this cleaning and washing, the lid 3 is attached to thecasing body 2 or the second electrodes 24 are attached to the lid 3 andthen the lid 3 is attached to the casing body 2.

[0093] The light emitting diode not shown turns on a light during theoperation of the ozone generator 21A to indicate the generation ofnegative ions and ozone.

[0094] However, when a switch or other such means is used to stop theoperation of the ozone generator 21A, the light emitting diode puts outlights to indicate non-generation of negative ions and ozone.

[0095] In the air cleaning device of this embodiment in particular,since the first electrodes 23 and the same number of cylindrical secondelectrodes 24 are disposed face to face respectively and also sinceneedle-like electrodes are used as the first electrodes, negative ionsand ozone can be generated efficiently and, at the same time, thecylindrical second electrodes 24 enable a stable velocity of an airstream and can increase the amount of the air stream.

[0096] Furthermore, since the lid 3 is detachable from and attachable tothe casing body 2, the second electrodes 24 can be simply and easilycleaned and washed after detaching the lid 3 from the casing body 2 orafter further detaching the second electrodes 24 from the lid 3.

[0097]FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross section showing a fourth embodimentof the air cleaning device according to this invention. In thisembodiment, the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 to 7 are given tothe identical or corresponding elements, the explanation of which willbe omitted from the following description.

[0098] In FIG. 8, four platelike second electrodes 25 each having acircular opening are accommodated in a lid 3 in such a manner as beingfixed or detachably attached to the portion of the lid 3 on the openside of a casing body and being concentric with and facing each firstelectrode 23. A positioning projection 22 a provided on the center ofthe distal end of a support base 22 is adapted to engage with a centerspace 25 a surrounded by the four second electrodes 25.

[0099] Therefore, when the positioning projection 22 a has been engagedwith the center space, the four first electrodes 23 are positioned atlocations corresponding to the centers of the circular openings of thesecond electrodes.

[0100] The four first electrodes 23, four second electrodes 25 andsupport base 22 constitute an ozone generator 21A.

[0101] At predetermined positions of the outer peripheral edge of thesecond electrodes 25 at an interval of 180 degrees, for example, areprovided conductive connectors 27A that function to position the secondelectrodes 25 inside the lid 3 and, when the lid 3 is attached to thecasing body 2, function to electrically connect the second electrodes tothe positive poles of an AC/DC converter 11 and a boosting transformer12 via conductors.

[0102] A light emitting diode (29) not shown is provided on the casingbody 2 or lid 3 at an appropriate position to indicate the operationstate of the ozone generator 21A.

[0103] The difference between the operation of the air cleaning device Ain this embodiment and that of the third embodiment device will bedescribed.

[0104] When a high DC voltage is applied between the first electrodes 23serving as the negative poles and the second electrodes 25 serving asthe positive poles, silent corona discharge is induced between thedistal end of each first electrode 23 and the circular opening edge ofeach second electrode 25 to generate negative ions and ozone. TheCoulomb force of the electrified second electrodes 25 causes a stream ofair containing negative ions and ozone to pass from the side of eachfirst electrode 23 through each outlet 3 a via each second electrode 25and to be diffused.

[0105] During the operation, dust is electrified and attached to thesecond electrodes 25 to dirty the second electrodes 25. The dirty secondelectrodes 25 are cleaned and washed after detaching the lid 3 from thecasing body 2 or further detaching the second electrodes from the lid 3that has been detached from the casing body 2. After this cleaning andwashing, the lid 3 is attached to the casing body 2 or the secondelectrodes 24 are attached to the lid 3 and then the lid 3 is attachedto the casing body 2.

[0106] In the fourth embodiment, therefore, the same effects as in thethird embodiment can be obtained.

[0107]FIG. 9 is a front view showing a fifth embodiment of the aircleaning device according to this invention, FIG. 10 is a plan view ofthe air cleaning device shown in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is a longitudinalcross section of the air cleaning device shown in FIG. 9. In thisembodiment, the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 to 8 are given tothe identical or corresponding elements, the explanation of which willbe omitted from the following description.

[0108] As shown in these figures, a lid 3 of a bulb-shaped casing 1 isprovided at the center an open cylindrical portion 3 d equipped thereinwith a socket 31 that is electrically connected to a base 4 and to andfrom which an electric bulb 32 is attachable and detachable.

[0109] Outside of the cylindrical portion 3 d a recess 3 e serving as anoutlet is formed. The distal end of a first electrode 23 supported on asupport base 22 projects from the bottom of the recess. On the innersurface of the recess 3 e four ribs 3 f are formed so as to surround thefirst electrode 23, thereby protecting the first electrode.

[0110] Inside of a casing body 2 partitioned by the support base 22,there is formed a mounting wall 14 on which a boosting transformer 12Ahaving an AC/DC converter integrally incorporated therein is supported.The boosting transformer 12A is electrically connected to the firstelectrode 23.

[0111] The operation of the air cleaning device A will be described.When high DC voltage is applied to the first electrode 23, negative ionsare generated and released. The same effects as in the first and secondembodiments can thus be obtained.

[0112] Since the air cleaning device A is equipped with illuminatingmeans, by attaching the device to a socket for an electric bulb, theeffects of negative ions can be obtained without necessitating provisionof an illuminator.

[0113]FIG. 12 is a front view showing a sixth embodiment of the aircleaning device according to this invention, FIG. 13 is a plan view ofthe air cleaning device shown in FIG. 12, and FIG. 14 is a longitudinalcross section of the air cleaning device shown in FIG. 12. In thisembodiment, the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 to 11 are given tothe identical or corresponding elements, the explanation of which willbe omitted from the following description.

[0114] As shown in these figures, a lid 3 is provided in its distal endsurface with three outlets 3 a and three openings 3 c each formedbetween the adjacent outlets and on a circle passing through the centersof the outlets 3 a, that have a function to supply air into an ozonegenerator 21A.

[0115] A safety measure is taken, if necessary, by providing theopenings 3 with cross pieces similar to those 3 b of the outlets 3 a.

[0116] The lid is further provided at the center of its distal endsurface with a cylindrical portion 3 d extending into the open end sideof a casing body 2, the outer periphery of which positions a secondelectrode 25 and the inside of which is formed with a socket 31 to andfrom which an electric bulb is attachable and detachable.

[0117] The casing body 2 is formed therein on its open end side with apartitioning support base 22A on which first electrodes 23 having theirrespective distal ends directed to the centers of the outlets 3 a arearranged along a circle concentric with the open end of the casing body.The center of the support base is formed with a positioning hole 22 b inwhich the cylindrical portion 3 d of the lid 3 is fitted.

[0118] At the lower inside of the casing body 2 partitioned by thesupport base 22A, there is formed a mounting wall 14 on which a boostingtransformer 12A having an AC/DC converter integrally incorporatedtherein is supported.

[0119] The platelike second electrode 25 having three circular holes isformed at its center with a positioning hole 25B in which thecylindrical portion 3 d of the lid 3 is fitted and further with threecircular holes 25C that are disposed between the adjacent holes andalong a circle connecting the centers of the holes and face the threeopenings 3 c. The air entering the lid 3 from the openings 3 c issupplied from the holes 25C into the ozone generator 21A constituted ofthe first electrodes 23, second electrode 25 and partitioning supportbase 22A.

[0120] When the lid 3 has been attached to the casing body 2, the firstelectrodes 23, holes of the second electrode 25 and outlets 3 a aredisposed concentrically. The openings 3 c and holes 25C are alsodisposed concentrically.

[0121] The second electrode 25 is connected to the positive pole of theboosting transformer 12A though this connection is not shown.

[0122] The difference between the operation of the air cleaning device Ain this embodiment and that of the preceding embodiment devices will bedescribed. When high DC voltage is applied between the first electrodes23 and the second electrode 25 to generate negative ions and ozone, astream of air containing the negative ions and ozone passes through theholes of the second electrode 25 and outlets 3 a and is released.

[0123] Air for successively generating an air stream that passes fromthe side of the first electrodes 23 through the holes of the secondelectrode 25 and outlets 3 a is supplied via the openings 3 c and holes25C.

[0124] The inside of a room can be illuminated as occasion demands bythe electric bulb 32.

[0125] In the sixth embodiment, the same effects as in the third andfourth embodiments can be obtained. Since the air cleaning device inthis embodiment is equipped with illuminating means, by attaching thedevice to a socket for an electric bulb, the effects of negative ionscan be obtained without necessitating provision of an illuminator. Aircleaning can thus be attained.

[0126]FIG. 15 is a front view showing a seventh embodiment of the aircleaning device according to this invention, FIG. 16 is a plan view ofthe air cleaning device shown in FIG. 15, and FIG. 17 is a longitudinalcross section of the air cleaning device shown in FIG. 15. In thisembodiment, the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 to 14 are given tothe identical or corresponding elements, the explanation of which willbe omitted from the following description.

[0127] In these figures, a lid 3 is made from transparent or translucentresin and provided in its distal end portion with three recesses 3 ethat are disposed on a circle and serve as outlets. When the lid hasbeen attached to a casing body 2, three first electrodes 23 formed on apartitioning support base 22A have their respective distal endsprojecting from the bottoms of the recesses 3 e. Inside of each recess 3e, there are four ribs 3 f disposed at intervals of 90 degrees tosurround the first electrode 23 and function as safety means.

[0128] Above the partitioning support base 22A is provided a reflector33 that is attached to a socket 31 for effectively reflecting light froman electric bulb 32.

[0129] While the operation of the air cleaning device A in thisembodiment is substantially the same as that of the precedingembodiment, since the electric bulb 32 is covered by the lid 3, it ispossible to eliminate direct contact with the electric bulb 32 andobtain soft indirect illuminating light through the lid 3.

[0130]FIG. 18 is a front view showing an eighth embodiment of the aircleaning device according to this invention, FIG. 19 is a plan view ofthe air cleaning device shown in FIG. 18, and FIG. 20 is a longitudinalcross section of the air cleaning device shown in FIG. 18. In thisembodiment, the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 to 17 are given tothe identical or corresponding elements, the explanation of which willbe omitted from the following description.

[0131] In these figures, a lid 3 has slitted openings 3 g formedcircumferentially in its peripheral surface at regular intervals forsupplying air into an ozone generator 21A.

[0132] A conductive internally threaded cylinder 7 is fitted in acylindrical support portion 22 a of a support base 22 disposed at thecenter of the open end of a casing body 2. The lid 3 is detachablyattached to the casing body 2 by a fitting screw 8 having an insulatinghead and a shaft piercing through the lid 3 and helically engaging withthe internally threaded cylinder 7.

[0133] A light guide plate 30 is provided between the casing body 2 andthe lid 3 for guiding light from a light emitting diode 29 provided inthe casing body 2 to the distal end side of the lid for emission.

[0134] A platelike second electrode 25 having circular holes is attachedby the fitting screw to the lid 3 so that it is disposed concentricallywith a circle connecting outlets 3 a and a circle connecting firstelectrodes 23, and is electrically connected to a boosting transformer12A integrally incorporating a AC/DC converter therein via theinternally threaded cylinder 7, fitting screw attached to the internallythreaded cylinder 7, etc.

[0135] While the operation of the air cleaning device A in thisembodiment is substantially the same as that of the precedingembodiment, the device operation state in this embodiment can beconfirmed from light guided by the light guide plate 30.

[0136] The fed portion of the air cleaning device according to thepresent invention will be described.

[0137] While the base 4 for an ordinary electric bulb is used as the fedportion in the embodiments described so far, it can be changed to a base4A of a so-called D-type as shown in FIGS. 21(a) and 21(b) in which apair of slender pins project from the opposed positions of the peripheryor a so-called S-type as shown in FIGS. 22(a) and 22(b) in which a pairof bold short pins project from the opposed positions of the periphery,depending on a corresponding electrical receptacle.

[0138] Further, depending on a corresponding electrical receptacle, aplug having a pair of parallel blades 4C projecting from its one end asshown in FIGS. 23(a) and 23(b) or a plug having a pair of parallel pins4D projecting from its one end as shown in FIGS. 24(a) and 24(b) canalso be used as the fed portion.

[0139] Examples of attachment of the air cleaning device according tothe present invention will be described.

[0140]FIG. 25 shows an example in which the air cleaning device A ofthis invention equipped with an illuminator 32 is attached to the socketof a reading lamp 41A supported on one end of a movable arm having theopposite end fixed to a desk or wall. FIG. 26 shows an example in whichthe air cleaning device A of this invention equipped with an illuminator32 is attached to the socket of a mount-type reading lamp 41B. In theseexamples, the reading lamps can be used in the same manner as usual and,when a power switch is turned on, a flow of air containing negative ionsor both negative ions and ozone is released from backward to forward ofthe lampshade, thereby relaxing mind and body and cleaning air.

[0141]FIG. 27 shows an example in which the air cleaning devices A ofthis invention are attached to vacant sockets of an illuminatingimplement 51 equipped with a plurality of sockets. When a remotecontroller 52 is used to turn the power switch on, a stream of aircontaining negative ions and ozone is released downward of thelampshade.

[0142] In this example, the air cleaning devices A have a signalreceiving portion that receives a control signal from the remotecontroller 52 and a control portion that, based on the received signal,turns an illuminator 32 on and off, turns the air cleaning devices A onand off, controls the amount of negative ions and ozone generated, andenables intermittent or timer-based generation.

[0143]FIG. 28 shows an example in which the air cleaning device A ofthis invention is attached to a socket 62 built in the ceiling 61. Whena power switch is turned on, an illuminator 32 is lighted and, at thesame time, a stream of air containing negative ions and ozone that isslightly heavier than air flows downward out of the ceiling 61 and isdiffused.

[0144] The air cleaning device A of this invention can be accommodatedin an attachment 71 provided with a socket 72 and a plug 73, as shown inFIG. 29(a), and can be used by inserting the plug 72 into an electricalreceptacle 75 formed in a wall 74 as shown in FIG. 29(b). By turning aswitch on, a stream of air containing negative ions and ozone isreleased upward. Using the attachment in this manner with the pluginserted into the electrical receptacle formed in the wall enables theair cleaning device to be operated with ease even in the absence of asocket conforming to its base.

[0145]FIG. 30 shows an example in which the air cleaning device A ofthis invention is mounted in a socket 81 attached to a wall 74. When aswitch is turned on, a stream of air containing negative ions and ozoneis released laterally.

[0146]FIG. 31 shows an example in which the air cleaning device A ofthis invention is attached to a stand 91 mounted on a table equippedwith an electrical receptacle and a power cord (neither shown). Byturning a switch 92 on, a stream of air containing negative ions andozone is released upward.

[0147] While the casing has been made from a synthetic resin material inany of the foregoing embodiments, it can be made from any othermaterial, provided that if it is made from a material havingconductivity, it is necessary to ensure insulation between itself andthe conductive portions including the first electrode, second electrode,retainer, connectors, etc.

[0148] Though the shape of the casing in its plan view has beendescribed as being circular, it may be any other shape, e.g., an ovalshape or polygonal shape including a triangle, a tetragon, a pentagon, ahexagon, etc. Furthermore, while the foregoing description has shown asmall-sized electric bulb as the contour of the casing, the contour maybe that of a large-sized electric bulb or ball.

[0149] The lid has had the circular outlets. The outlets may be of anyother shape. In addition, they are not necessarily be concentricaccurately with the first electrode and the holes of the secondelectrode, but may be overlapped with the first electrode or with boththe first electrode and the holes of the second electrode. Furthermore,it is selected whether the air cleaning device should have anilluminator, depending on its mounting locations.

[0150] When the air cleaning device is equipped with an illuminator, itis preferable that the illuminator is interlocked with the negative iongenerator or ozone generator so that the illuminator can work during theoperation of the negative ion generator or ozone generator and cannot doduring the non-operation of the generator. As a result, the illuminatorcan also serve as display means showing the operation state of thegenerator.

[0151] In all the embodiments, the air cleaning device has been providedat its one end with a fed portion. However, the fed portion can bereplaced with an attached portion having a similar configuration and, inaddition, if the negative ion generator or ozone generator, powersource, boosting transformer, etc. are incorporated in the air cleaningdevice, negative ions or both negative ions and ozone can be generatedeven where electricity is not fed.

[0152] The number of the first electrode used is four in the first,third and fourth embodiments, one in the second and fifth embodiments,and three in the sixth, seventh and eighth embodiments. Thus, at leastone first electrode will suffice.

[0153] While the outlet or recess has been configured to have the crosspieces capable of preventing finger touch with the first electrode, suchsafety means can instead comprise a plurality of projections extendingfrom the peripheral wall that defines the outlet or recess, or acombination of a concentric rib and support ribs projecting radiallyfrom the peripheral wall that defines the outlet or recess forsupporting the concentric rib.

[0154] The AC/DC converter and the boosting transformer has beenconfigured separately or integrally. Either configuration will do.

[0155] The portion for supplying air into the ozone generator has beenformed on either the casing body or the lid. However, it may be formedon each of the two.

[0156] In the first embodiment, the casing body and the lid of thecasing have been detachably attached to each other. However, since thereis no electrode facing the first electrode, resulting in few possibilityof dirtying the inside of the casing, as described earlier, the two maybe made integral.

[0157] The second electrode has been detachably attached to the lidusing the retainer in the third embodiment and using the connector inthe fourth embodiment. However, it may be detachably attached to the lidusing a screw and connected to the positive pole of the AC/DC converteror boosting transformer accommodated in the casing body using aconnector.

[0158] Furthermore, while the second electrode has been described asbeing accommodated in the lid, it may be accommodated in the casingbody.

[0159] The electric bulb has been shown as the illuminator. However, theilluminator can include a halogen lamp, a fluorescent lamp, a surfacelight-emitting element and a high-brightness light-emitting diode. Ahalogen lamp has the effect of securing a light projecting distance. Afluorescent lamp has the effect of securing high brightness while notaccumulating heat. A surface light-emitting element has the effect ofonly requiring a small amount of power consumption, accumulating littleheat and attaining a compact size due to its flat surface and noirregularities. A high-brightness light-emitting diode has the effect ofonly requiring a small amount of power consumption, accumulating littleheat, ensuring its long service life and attaining a compact size.

[0160] In the mounting examples, the air cleaning devices equippedtherein with the ozone generator have been cited. The mounting examplescan be applied to the air cleaning devices equipped therein with thenegative ion generator.

[0161] When the air cleaning device is attached to an untouchableposition, e.g., the ceiling, the control portion having various controlfunctions, e.g., a microcomputer, is disposed in the casing and a remotecontroller is used to interlock the negative ion generator or ozonegenerator and the illuminator or cause them to be operated separately,control the amount of negative ions and ozone generated with an increaseor decrease in the number of electrodes to which voltage is applied, andenable intermittent or timer-based generation. Otherwise, a controllerattached to a wall is used to enable the same operation and control.

[0162] Even when the air cleaning device is attached to a touchablelocation, the aforementioned remote controller or controller attached tothe wall can be used to enable the same operation and control.

[0163] Furthermore, while the foregoing description relates togeneration of either negative ions alone or both negative ions andozone, ozone alone may be generated.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0164] As has been described in the foregoing, in the air cleaningdevice according to the present invention, since a casing is bulb-shapedand is equipped with an attached or fed portion that is to be attachedto an attaching or feed portion, attachment of the attached or fedportion to a socket for illumination enables negative ions and ozone tobe released from above in a room or other such space, thereby making itpossible to clean the air in the room or other such space and effectbactericidal and deodorant actions. In the case of the suspendible typeof bulb-shaped casing, it is possible to provide a novel air cleaningdevice with various applications, as compared with conventionalmount-type air cleaning devices disposed on the floor, a desk or othersuch flat place.

[0165] Furthermore, the negative ion generator can be constituted offirst electrodes. In this case, therefore, there is few possibility ofdirtying the inside of the casing, thus less requiring cleaning andwashing operations of the inside of the casing and making the devicemaintenance easy.

[0166] In addition, since the casing is divided into the casing body andthe lid which are attachable to and detachable from each other, afterdetaching the lid from the casing body it is possible to easily cleanand wash the inside of the lid and, the second electrode exposed to dustand dirtied.

[0167] Moreover, since the second electrode is formed into a cylindricalone or a platelike one with circular holes and the first electrodes areformed into needle-like ones, it is possible to efficiently generatenegative ions and ozone, stabilize the velocity of an air stream andincrease the amount of the air stream. In the case of the air cleaningdevice with an embedded illuminator, it is possible to acquire theeffects of negative ions and ozone even when the device is providedwhere illumination is required.

1. An air cleaning device comprising a bulb-shaped casing (1) providedat one end with an attached portion to be attached to an attachingportion and at the other end with an outlet (3 a), and a negative iongenerator (21) accommodated in the casing, characterized in thatnegative ions are generated by discharge of the negative ion generatorand released from the outlet.
 2. An air cleaning device comprising abulb-shaped casing (1) provided at one end with a fed portion (4) to beattached to a feed portion and at the other end with an outlet (3 a), anAC/DC converter (11) accommodated in the casing for converting analternating current from the fed portion into a direct current, aboosting transformer (12) accommodated in the casing for boostingvoltage from the AC/DC converter, and a negative ion generator (21)accommodated in the casing to face the outlet and connected to theboosting transformer, characterized in that high voltage is applied fromthe boosting transformer to the negative ion generator to induceelectrical discharge and generate negative ions and that the negativeions are released from the outlet.
 3. The air cleaning device accordingto claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the bulb-shaped casing (1)comprises a casing body (2) having one end provided with the fed portion(4) and the other end made open and a lid (3) having one end providedwith the outlet (3 a) and the other end fixed or detachably attached tothe open end of the casing body.
 4. The air cleaning device according toclaim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the negative ion generator(21) is constituted of a needle-like electrode (23) having a distal enddirected to a side of the outlet.
 5. The air cleaning device accordingto claim 2, characterized in that the DC/AC converter (11) and theboosting transformer (12) are made integral.
 6. The air cleaning deviceaccording to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the bulb-shapedcasing (1) is provided at the other end with an illuminator (32).
 7. Theair cleaning device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized inthat the fed portion (4) comprises a base to be attached to and detachedfrom a socket.
 8. The air cleaning device according to claim 1 or claim2, characterized in that the fed portion (4) comprises a base (4A, 4B)having a pair of pins projecting from a peripheral surface in oppositedirections.
 9. The air cleaning device according to claim 1 or claim 2,characterized in that the fed portion (4) comprises a plug having a pairof blades (4C) or pins (4D) to be attached to and detached from anelectrical receptacle.
 10. An air cleaning device comprising abulb-shaped casing (1) provided at one end with an attached portion tobe attached to an attaching portion and at the other end with an outlet(3 a), accommodating an ozone generator (21A), and formed with a portion(2 a, 3 c) for supplying air into the ozone generator, characterized inthat the ozone generator induces electrical discharge to generatenegative ions and ozone and that a stream of air containing the negativeions and ozone is released from the ozone generator to the outlet. 11.An air cleaning device comprising a bulb-shaped casing (1) provided atone end with a fed portion (4) to be attached to a feed portion and atthe other end with an outlet (3 a), an AC/DC converter (11) accommodatedin the casing for converting an alternating current from the fed portioninto a direct current, a boosting transformer (12) accommodated in thecasing for boosting voltage from the fed portion, an ozone generator(21A) accommodated in the casing to face the outlet and connected to theboosting transformer, and an air supply portion (2 a, 3 c) formed in thecasing for supplying air into the ozone generator, characterized in thathigh voltage is applied from the boosting transformer to the ozonegenerator to induce electrical discharge, generate negative ions andozone and produce a stream of air containing the negative ions and ozonethat flows from the ozone generator toward the outlet.
 12. The aircleaning device according to claim 10 or claim 11, characterized in thatthe bulb-shaped casing (1) comprises a casing body (2) having one endprovided with the fed portion (4) and the other end made open and a lid(3) having one end provided with the outlet (3 a) and the other enddetachably attached to the other end of the casing body.
 13. The aircleaning device according to claim 10 or claim 11, characterized in thatthe ozone generator (21A) comprises a needle-like first electrode (23)having a distal end directed to the outlet (3 a) and a cylindricalsecond electrode (24) concentric with the first electrode (23) anddisposed concentrically with the outlet, and that application of highvoltage between the first electrode and the second electrode induceselectrical discharge therebetween to generate negative ions and ozoneand produce a stream of air containing the negative ions and ozone thatflows from the first electrode toward the second electrode and outlet.14. The air cleaning device according to claim 10 or claim 11,characterized in that the ozone generator (21A) comprises a needle-likefirst electrode (23) having a distal end directed to the outlet (3 a)and a platelike second electrode (25) having a circular openingconcentric with the first electrode (23) and disposed concentricallywith the outlet, and that application of high voltage between the firstelectrode and the second electrode induces electrical dischargetherebetween to generate negative ions and ozone and produce a stream ofair containing the negative ions and ozone that flows from the firstelectrode toward the second electrode and outlet.
 15. The air cleaningdevice according to claim 13, characterized in that the first electrode(23) is accommodated in the casing body (1) and that the secondelectrode (24) in the lid (3).
 16. The air cleaning device according toclaim 14, characterized in that the first electrode (23) is accommodatedin the casing body (1) and that the second electrode (25) in the lid(3).
 17. The air cleaning device according to claim 11, characterized inthat the DC/AC converter (11) and the boosting transformer (12) are madeintegral.
 18. The air cleaning device according to claim 10 or claim 11,characterized in that the casing (1) is provided at the other end withan illuminator (32).
 19. The air cleaning device according to claim 10or claim 11, characterized in that the fed portion (4) comprises a baseto be attached to and detached from a socket.
 20. The air cleaningdevice according to claim 10 or claim 11, characterized in that the fedportion (4) comprises a base (4A, 4B) having a pair of pins projectingfrom a peripheral surface in opposite directions.
 21. The air cleaningdevice according to claim 10 or claim 11, characterized in that the fedportion (4) comprises a plug having a pair of blades (4C) or pins (4D)to be attached to and detached from an electrical receptacle.